Chapter 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Flashcards
The term methodology means:
a collection of systematic approaches to solving the technical problems we encounter
The 6-Step Troubleshooting Methodology is:
- Identify the problem
- Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
- Test the theory to determine the cause
- Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
- Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
- Document findings, actions, and outcomes
In the Identify the problem step of troubleshooting:
question the user and identify user changes to the computer and perform backups before making further changes
Inquire regarding environmental or infrastructure changes that may have occurred
Review system application logs for clues to possible system errors
In the Establish a theory of probable cause step of troubleshooting, if necessary:
conduct external or internal research based on symptoms
In the Test the theory to determine the cause step of troubleshooting:
Once the theory is confirmed, determine the next steps to resolve the problem
If the theory is not confirmed, establish a new theory or escalate the issue
Typical causes for unexpected shutdowns include:
Dead short caused by loose screw, slot covers, or cards
CPU overheating
Power supply overheating
Power supply failure
What should you do if a dead short is caused by loose screws, slot covers, or cards?
Shut down the system and secure all metal components
What should you do if the CPU is overheating?
Check fan speed for CPU heat sink
Clean fan if it is dirty
Replace fan if it has failed or is turning too slowly
Check power management settings and CPU drivers in the OS to make sure that thermal throttling is working
What should you do if the power supply is overheating?
Check the power supply fan and clean it if possible
Replace the power supply with a higher wattage-rated unit if problem persists
What should you do if the power supply fails?
Test the power supply to verify proper operation
System lockups are typically caused by:
the corruption of memory contents
Follow these steps to diagnose system lockups:
- Shut down the system, remove and reinstall memory, and remove dust from the modules, the sockets, cooling vents, and fans
- Check the specifications for memory; the memory installed might not be the correct type for the motherboard and processor
- If memory has been overclocked, reset the memory to factory specifications by using the Auto or SPD options in the system BIOS setup
- Add additional system cooling
Overclocking is when you:
run the processor or memory at speeds faster than those recommended
Overclocking can cause:
components to overheat and the system to crash
If your system crashes after overclocking:
return the settings to the standard values and restart the system
POST code beeps are used by:
many BIOS versions to indicate either fatal or serious errors
Memory Problems; Video Problems; Processor or Motherboard Problems Beep Codes
Phoenix BIOS
1-3-4-1 or 1-3-4-3 or 1-4-1-1; None; 1-2-2-3
Memory Problems; Video Problems; Processor or Motherboard Problems Beep Codes
Award BIOS
Beeping (other than 2 long, 1 short); 2 long, 1 short; High-frequency beeps or Repeating high/low beeps
Memory Problems; Video Problems; Processor or Motherboard Problems Beep Codes
AMI BIOS
1 or 3 or 11 beeps, (1 long, 3 short beeps); 8 beeps, (1 long, 8 short beeps); 5 or 9 beeps
Memory Problems; Video Problems; Processor or Motherboard Problems Beep Codes
IBM BIOS
None; 1 long, 3 short beeps, or 1 beep; 1 long, 1 short beep
a blank screen non bootup can be caused by a variety of video configurations or cabling problems, some of which are:
If you have only one display, plugging the video cable into an inactive video port on a system
If a display with two or more inputs is not configured to use the correct cable
If a DVI or VGA cable is not tightly attached to the video port or display
If an HDMI, miniHDMI, DisplayPort, or miniDisplayPort cable is not completely plugged into the video port or display, the screen might be blank
If input cables and display input settings check out but the screen is still blank, shine a flashlight on the screen to see if any text or graphics are visible
Problems with BIOS time and setting resets are typically caused by:
problems with either the CMOS battery on the motherboard or the CMOS chip
The CMOS chip is a:
surface-mounted chip that cannot be replaced, so if it is bad, the motherboard must be replaced
The CMOS contents can be cleared by using what on the motherboard?
a jumper